Community supports 24-hour walk

WITH a triumphant raising of her arms, Zontian, Susie Dunn, completed her 24-hour walk to raise funds for Zonta's Birthing Kits last week.

Tired, sore and fatigued, she still managed a radiant smile as she walked through the finishing tape held by two fellow Zontians.

Over the past weeks as Susie's intention to walk drew closer she had total strangers approaching her at the gym, in the Tweed Hospital car park, where she works and in the Tweed Shopping centre, handing her money and wishing her well.

"We are delighted with the response from the public", said Marie-Elise Allen, Vice President of Zonta Southern Gold Coast Tweed.

"The local community has really helped Susie remain focused by their financial contributions.

"We have raised in excess of the $3000 that we were aiming for.

"The surplus will go towards next year's Birthing Kit Assembly."

Welcoming Susie to the finish line was Karen Andrews MP for McPherson, who said Ms Dunn's walk was "a tremendous achievement of one woman on behalf of her club, to ensure women and babies in less fortunate parts of the world, have a safe and clean birth."

Ms Andrews also drew the Gourmet Food Basket Raffle winner.

It was a local Kingscliff resident, John Jackson.

"There is no question that this 24 hour walk would have been impossible without the incredible support and help with Susie's training from the Tweed Fitness and Lifestyle Centre in Machinery Drive," said Ms Allen.

"Mike and Grace Gates the owners, have really been outstanding with their support, guiding Susie through her training program."

Birthing kits are assembled by the Zonta Club of Southern Gold Coast Tweed each year, with the help of volunteers.